How Much Does Top Surgery Cost in 2026?
If you're searching "how much is top surgery" or "top surgery cost", you're not alone. The total cost of FTM top surgery is influenced by several factors: surgeon's fees, country, surgical technique, and what's included in the quote.
This guide breaks down the real-world ranges you'll see in 2026—plus how to budget safely and avoid surprise fees.
- United States: $6,000 – $16,000 (technique & location dependent)
- Cash-pay packages: $14,000 – $17,000 (all-inclusive)
- United Kingdom: £6,000 – £10,000+ private
- Canada: $7,000 – $15,000 CAD private
⚠️ Important: Quotes can be "surgeon fee only" or "all-in." Always ask what's included.
Related guides: Planning your full transition? See our FTM Bottom Surgery Costs Guide and Top Surgery Scars: What to Expect.
Top Surgery Cost by Country (2026)
Prices vary significantly by location due to healthcare systems, cost of living, and surgeon demand. Here's what to expect in major markets:
🇺🇸 United States
FTM Top Surgery: $6,000 – $16,000+
Widely-cited real-world ranges for chest masculinization surgery. Some providers publish higher cash-pay package estimates ($14,000–$17,000) depending on location and what's bundled.
- Double incision: $14,000 – $17,000 (most common)
- Keyhole/Peri-areolar: ~$2,000 less than DI
- Major metros (NYC, LA, SF) tend to cost more
💡 Tip: Always compare "total package" vs "surgeon fee only."
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Private Top Surgery: £6,000 – £10,000+
UK private pricing frequently lands in this zone. Some clinics publish technique-specific "starts from" pricing:
- Peri-areolar: From £6,000
- Double incision: From £7,500
- With liposuction: Additional £1,000–£2,000
NHS: May cover with long wait times (often 2+ years).
🇨🇦 Canada
Private Top Surgery: $7,000 – $15,000 CAD
Depends on province, clinic, and complexity. Some provinces (Ontario, BC) have public coverage pathways.
- Ontario: OHIP may cover with referral
- British Columbia: MSP coverage available
- Private: Faster but full out-of-pocket
🌍 Europe (General)
Across Europe, private quotes vary widely by country and clinic. Popular destinations include:
- Germany: €5,000 – €10,000
- Spain: €4,500 – €8,000
- Poland: €3,000 – €5,000 (medical tourism)
- Belgium: €5,000 – €9,000
⚠️ If traveling: Factor in travel, accommodation, follow-up visits, and managing complications once home.
What's Included in Top Surgery Cost?
When someone says "top surgery price," they might be referring to very different things. Understanding the components helps you compare quotes accurately.
| Cost Component | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon's Fee | $4,000 – $10,000 | Often quoted alone—ask if this is the total |
| Anesthesia Fee | $800 – $1,500 | General anesthesia for 2–4 hours |
| Facility Fee | $1,000 – $2,500 | Operating room, recovery room |
| Pre-Op Tests | $100 – $500 | Labs, imaging if required |
| Consultation | $0 – $200 | Some free, some applied to surgery |
| Compression Garment | $50 – $150 | Required for 4–6 weeks post-op |
| Post-Op Supplies | $100 – $300 | Dressings, medications, scar care |
| Follow-Up Visits | $0 – $300 | Often included; ask about revisions |
Top Surgery Techniques & How They Affect Cost
The surgical technique significantly impacts both results and price. Your surgeon will recommend based on chest size, skin elasticity, and desired outcomes.
Double Incision (DI)
💰 $14,000 – $17,000
Most common technique. Horizontal incisions across chest, nipples repositioned as grafts.
- ✅ Best for larger chests
- ✅ Maximum skin removal
- ✅ Excellent contouring
- ⚠️ More visible scars
- ⚠️ Reduced nipple sensation
Keyhole / Peri-areolar
💰 ~$2,000 less than DI
Minimally invasive, small incision around areola. Relies on skin elasticity.
- ✅ Minimal scarring
- ✅ Preserved nipple sensation
- ✅ Faster recovery
- ⚠️ Only for small chests (A cup)
- ⚠️ Limited reshaping ability
What Drives the Price Difference?
- Chest size & skin elasticity — larger chests require more time and complexity
- Liposuction add-ons — chest contouring can add $1,000–$3,000
- Nipple graft complexity — resizing and repositioning adds time
- Surgeon experience & demand — top surgeons charge premium fees
- Geographic location — major metros cost more than smaller cities
- Revision policies — clarify what's covered vs. billed separately
Top Surgery Cost With vs. Without Insurance
With Insurance
With insurance coverage, you may pay dramatically less—but it depends on several factors:
📋 Insurance Requirements (Typical)
- Gender Dysphoria diagnosis — documented by qualified provider
- Letter of Recommendation — most insurers require a letter from a therapist diagnosing Gender Dysphoria
- Pre-authorization — insurance approval before scheduling
- In-network surgeon — out-of-network may have higher costs
- Medical necessity criteria — varies by plan
When covered, your cost may drop to deductible + co-insurance amounts only. Many plans have out-of-pocket maximums of $3,000–$8,000.
Without Insurance (Self-Pay)
If paying out-of-pocket, your total depends on the quote structure:
❌ Surgeon-Fee-Only Quotes
Lowest numbers you'll see, but facility and anesthesia billed separately. Can lead to surprise totals.
✅ All-In Package Quotes
Higher upfront number but easier to budget. Includes surgeon, facility, anesthesia, and often follow-ups.
Down payment: Typically $500–$2,000 required to secure your surgery date. Some clinics require up to 50% upfront.
Hidden Costs People Forget
Beyond the surgical quote, these expenses can add $1,000–$3,000+ to your total budget:
| Hidden Cost | Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | $200 – $1,500 | Flights, hotels, local transport |
| Time Off Work | 2–4 weeks | May be unpaid depending on employer |
| Recovery Supplies | $100 – $300 | Extra gauze, scar care, pillows |
| Support Person | $0 – $500 | Some clinics require adult to take you home |
| Pathology Fees | $100 – $500 | Testing removed tissue (often not included) |
| Revisions | $1,000 – $5,000 | Clarify policy before booking |
How to Lower Top Surgery Cost (Without Cutting Safety)
✅ Request Itemized Quotes
Get quotes from 2–3 reputable surgeons. Compare like-for-like (all-in vs surgeon-fee-only).
✅ Insurance Pre-Auth Support
Ask if the surgeon's office helps with insurance pre-authorization and documentation.
✅ Consider Timing
Some clinics have seasonal promotions—but still prioritize credentials and outcomes.
✅ Medical Tourism
Countries like Thailand or Poland offer quality surgery at reduced prices due to lower costs.
✅ Financing Options
CareCredit and other medical loans offer payment plans. Watch for high interest after promo periods.
❌ Don't Cut Safety
Never opt out of qualified anesthesia, accredited facilities, or proper aftercare to save money.
Choosing a Surgeon: What to Look For
Selecting the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions in your gender-affirming journey.
📋 Surgeon Checklist
- Board certification — plastic surgery or relevant specialty
- FTM top surgery experience — ask how many they've performed
- WPATH membership — shows commitment to transgender healthcare
- Before/after photos — review results on similar body types
- Patient reviews — seek referrals from other trans patients
- Accredited facility — equipped to handle complications
- Clear pricing — detailed breakdown of all costs
- Good communication — listens and explains clearly
Recovery & Aftercare: What to Budget
Recovery typically takes 4–6 weeks before returning to normal activities. Plan for these expenses:
Week 1
Rest at home. Wear compression garment 24/7. Avoid raising arms.
Weeks 2–3
Drain removal. Light activities. Continue compression.
Weeks 4–6
Return to desk work. Avoid heavy lifting. Follow-up appointments.
Post-Op Expenses to Budget
- Prescription medications: $50–$150 (pain, antibiotics)
- Follow-up appointments: May or may not be included
- Scar treatment: $50–$150/treatment (silicone sheets, steroid injections)
- Additional compression garments: $50–$100
- Potential revision surgery: $1,000–$5,000 (clarify policy upfront)
🎯 Key Takeaways
Get All-In Quotes
Compare 2–3 surgeons. Ask for itemized totals including facility and anesthesia.
Check Insurance
Get Letter of Recommendation early. Understand deductible and out-of-pocket max.
Budget Hidden Costs
Add $1,000–$3,000 for travel, time off, supplies, and potential revisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is top surgery in 2026?
FTM top surgery typically costs $6,000–$16,000 in the U.S., depending on technique, surgeon, and location. Cash-pay all-inclusive packages may run $14,000–$17,000. UK private pricing is around £6,000–£10,000+, and Canada private is $7,000–$15,000 CAD.
How much does top surgery cost without insurance?
Without insurance, request an all-in quote that includes surgeon fee, facility, anesthesia, and follow-ups. Out-of-pocket totals vary dramatically—lowest quotes are often surgeon-fee-only with additional bills later. Budget $10,000–$17,000 for a realistic total in the U.S.
How much does top surgery cost with insurance?
With insurance coverage, your cost may drop to deductible + co-insurance amounts. Many plans have out-of-pocket maximums of $3,000–$8,000. Coverage depends on your plan's gender-affirming care policy, in-network status, and meeting medical necessity criteria (typically requires a Letter of Recommendation documenting Gender Dysphoria).
How much does top surgery cost UK?
Private top surgery in the UK typically costs £6,000–£10,000+ depending on technique and clinic. Peri-areolar starts around £6,000; double incision from £7,500. Liposuction adds £1,000–£2,000. NHS may cover but wait times are often 2+ years.
What is double incision top surgery cost compared to keyhole?
Double incision typically costs $14,000–$17,000 and is the most common technique for larger chests. Keyhole/peri-areolar is usually ~$2,000 less but only suitable for small chests (A cup) with good skin elasticity. DI can be more expensive when paired with extensive contouring or complex nipple work.
What does the top surgery price include?
It varies! Some quotes include only the surgeon fee, while others bundle anesthesia, facility fees, compression garments, and follow-up visits. Always request an itemized list of inclusions and exclusions. Ask specifically about: consultation fees, pathology fees, revision policies, and post-op supplies.
What are the hidden costs of top surgery?
Beyond the surgical quote, budget for: travel ($200–$1,500), time off work (2–4 weeks, possibly unpaid), recovery supplies ($100–$300), pathology fees ($100–$500), and potential revision surgery ($1,000–$5,000). These can add $1,000–$3,000+ to your total.
While You're Saving for Surgery
Planning and saving for top surgery takes time. In the meantime, high-quality prosthetics can help you feel more comfortable and confident.
Top surgery is a significant investment in yourself. Take your time researching surgeons, understanding costs, and planning your budget. The right preparation leads to the best outcomes. 🏳️⚧️
Next Steps
Request itemized quotes from 2–3 surgeons, confirm revision policies, and build a recovery budget so you're not surprised later.
Medical note: This article is for general budgeting information and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified surgeon for personalized guidance.
